Lastovo Region

The region Lastovo occupies island Lastovo, measuring 52 km2. Lastovo belongs to the South Dalmatian Archipelago, and around it it is located 46 islets and reefs.

Lastovo Islands were in 2006 declared as a natural park. The main village on the island, which has the same name is a protected cultural monument because of its unique Renaissance architecture and amphitheatric way of building.

The Romans were used to called it the Imperial Island because of a number of fields, forests, beautiful islets and reefs surrounding it, countless hidden bays and the abundance of marine fish. The highest point of the island is Hum (417m).

NATURAL BEAUTIES

"The island Lastovo is the authentic habitat of the Mediterranean monk seal."

Nature Park Lastovo Islands is protected because of the valuable sights area: indented island groups, wealth plant and animal types of land, wealth and the diversity of sea wildlife and a rich landscape.

The island is an authentic habitat of the Mediterranean monk seal.

Natural Monument Rača cave - natural value which is protected as natural monument (geomorphological). In this natural monument and in his immediate vicinity,any actions that threaten its features and value are prohibited.

CULTURE AND SIGHTS

The place Lastovo - amphitheatric shape of the central village of Lastovo, with a series of old Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque houses and special chimneys.

Lastovo stairs (stone stairs) which are surrounding the old town around the church and beyond, and Lastovo chimneys give special Mediterranean atmosphere, although Lastovo is not located by the sea but in the heart of the island.

Lastovo chimneys "fumari" - characteristic and unique architectural expression of the 17th and 18th centuries. The locals were always trying to build their roofs in special way, so each chimniey is different. Thus you rarely can see two similar chimney.

Lighthouse Struga - Struga Lighthouse is located in the bay Skrivena Luka. It was built in 1839 and it is one of the oldest on the Adriatic.

Churches and chapels - Many churches (46 of them) as representatives of the spiritual heritage of the island and the islanders.

EVENTS AND TRADITIONS

Lastovo has an interesting and rich traditional costume, traditions and dances, and it is known for Lastovsko kolo.

Lastovo Carnival has a centuries old tradition. It was first mentioned in 1390,in the Statute of Lastovo, one of the oldest in Europe, as a "Carnevale" - time for fun, relaxation and escape from everyday life. Everything is happening according to centuries-old ritual, and to commemorate the event in 1483 when the Catalani (Sicilians) wanted to conquer Lastovo, which was then a part of the Dubrovnik Republic.

Lastovo Carnival is protected by the Law on the Protection and Preservation of Cultural Heritage of 17.01.2008. as intangible cultural heritage.

Lastovo summer gives visitors to enjoy in various exhibitions, classical music concerts and fish nights.

GASTRONOMY AND WINE

Lastovo specialty is fish on "poparu". The fish must be very fresh, should not be used frozen, and on Lastovo you can prepare fresh, freshly caught fish.

Another specialty is the lobster pasta - one of the most original dishes which had always been prepared on Lastovo.

On Lastovo there are two varieties of wine, Rukatac and Plavac mali.

Rukatac or Maraština is indigenous white grape variety on Croatian coast, it is very common on the island. Only in some areas of Dalmatia is known as Rukatac because it looks like a hand (cro Ruka - hand). The cluster of grapes has a form that looks like hand fingers.

Plavac Mali is the indigenous variety of coastal and island parts of Central and South Dalmatia. The best, premium Plavac is occurring on the peninsula Pelješac, on the south side of the island and on some parts of Brač, Vis and Lastovo vineyards.